Coating roller device



Oct. 9, 1951 E. A. JOHNSON 2,570,243

I COATING ROLLER DEVICE Filed July 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I- /,.v/////////////1 ""1 g f I /0 i /2 -HJVENTOR Ma 9&4,

Oct. 9, 1951 JOHNSON 2,570,243

COATING ROLLER DEVICE Filed July 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Magma Patented Oct. 9, 1 951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COATING ROLLER DEVICE Everett A. Johnson, Park Ridge, Ill.

Application July 5, 1947, Serial No. 759,097

This invention pertains to apparatus for coating surfaces with a liquid film and a principal object, is to provide a novel and improved combination moistening and. pressuring device adapted to deposit a uniform and balanced film of a fiuid upon a base surface. Another object of the invention is to provide a moistening device adapted to dispense a readily volatile solvent which device is simple in construction and positive in operation. A further object of the invention is to provide a method and means for intermittently and controllably applying a uniform and balanced film of a fluid on a base surface. An additional object is to provide a method and means for intermittently and automatically applying a fluid to a pressuring and dispensing roller upon each manipulation of the device. A more detailed object is to provide a novel and improved combination moistening and pressuring device adapted to deposit a uniform and a balanced film of a solvent upon a base surface.

The above and other objects of my invention will become apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view partly in section, of one embodiment of the assembled device;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary section of the device viewed along the line 2--2 in Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 3a are end and top views of the wick holder 21 in Figure 1;

Figures 4 and 4a are side and perspective views of a unitary wick and holder;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary section of the device in Figures 1 and 2 viewed along the lines 5-5 in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a sectional side view of another modification of a device according to my invention having a removable reservoir;

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate details of elements in the embodiment of Figure 6; and

Figures 9 and 11 show further modifications wherein a fiexible means is provided for positive movement of the roller, Figure illustrating one such means.

Broadly, my device comprises a fluid reservoir, a wick, a roller, and means for movably mounting the roller so that it can be selectively moistened by fiuid from the wick. The reservoir may be unitary with the roller mounting or detachable therefrom. In any event, the arrangement of elements enables the roller to be held in contact with the wick when moved in one direction, and a spring or slot means may be provided to shift the roller away from the wickon lifting the device or reversing its direction of motion.

When operating the device it is held nearly parallel to the work piece or clear surface, the arrangement of elements enabling the operator to pass a selectively moistened roller thereover.

9 Claims. (Cl. 9162.5)

One embodiment of my invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, wherein the device includes a reservoir l0, and a longitudinal extension ll thereto which is adapted to support the roller l6 within slots or guides [9. The reservoir Ill may be provided with an inlet l3 which is sealed by means of a Washer 14 and screw plug IS. A discharge port [2 permits the flow of fluid from reservoir II]. This port [2 should be of small area, the fluid being discharged at a rate sufficient to supply the roller I6 with a film of liquid via capillary element 20.

In Figure 1 a wick 20 is held in position by means of serrated wedge 2| which cooperates with the serrated surface 21 in the roof of the wick chamber to hold the wick 20 in position. The wedge 2| fits snugly within zone 24 and the stops 25 together with the resilience of the wick 2|) serve to retain the wedge 2| and wick 20 in position. The roller I6 is illustrated as being mounted on a shaft means ll, the ends of which ride in the slots I 9. The slots [9 are illustrated as being in a boss integral with the side wall of the extension or roller mounting II. It is also contemplated that the guides [9 may be countersunk in the wall or even perforate the wall.

If desired, the shaft I! may be split as shown in Figure 2 with a compressible spring l8 being adapted to urge the ends of the shaft into slots I6. Washers 26 about shaft ll may be provided to space the ends of the roller with respect to the slots l9 carried in the walls of the hooded support ll. Alternatively, one pin or shaft I! can be fixed to the roller [6 and the second pin depressible within the spring-leaded roller. Likewise either or both pins'may be provided with a shoulder means to abut the support I I when the guides l9 perforate the wall.

In Figures 4 and 4a there is illustrated a unitary capillary element including a wick and wick holder. The Wick 22 is securely held by the holder 23 having a lower resilient portion which serves to exert a thrust on 24 and 25 in Figures 1 and 2 and to hold the wick against the serrated roof 2'! adjacent the fluid outlet or discharge port l2.

In moving the device forward the roller I 6 rotates about the pins I! which engage the slots l9. This movement shifts the axis of rotation of the roller I6 about the shaft l1 toward. the rear end of the slots l9, thereby bringing the surface of roller l6 into contact with the wick 2ll. Liquid fiows from reservoir 10 through the port l2 into the wick 2|] and the surface of the roller is moistened thereby. This limited and controlled amount of moisture is then transferred as a very thin but uniform film upon the surface over which the roller passes.

When the direction of the device over the surface or workpiece is .reversed,the axis of .rotas be provided so that when the device is lifted from the work piece the roller [6 is retracted by the spring, position Ilia being determined by the lengths of the slots l9. In any event, the rollerin its position lBa cannot be moistened by the fluid from the wick 20 and can be rotated over the work piece without multilating or adversely affecting it. It is also contemplated that the slots I9 may extend into or through the side wall of the hooded support member ll for example, as illustrated in Figure 9.

Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate another embodiment of my invention wherein the reservoir l and the roller support Hare readily separable. The device illustrated in Figures 1 to can similarly be modified; that is, the reservoir can be removably attached to the hooded support member II in which event the plug assembly l4 and [-5 ordinarily will be unnecessary.

Referring to Figure 6, the reservoir 45 may comprise the container in which the fluid to be dispensed, is marketed. Threads 41 on the reservoir 45 can, for example, be adapted for a conventional closure and for engaging the hooded support member 46. More specifically the threads on the throat of the reservoir 45 are adapted to engage corresponding threads 41 on the support 46.

The demountable hooded support 46 includes wall 48 having slot 49 through which wick 50 passes. The wick 55 extends through the slot 49 a controlled or adjustable distance suflicient to contact the roller 58. Roller 58 can be. mounted as described in connection with Figures 1, 2 and 5 above, or as to be described in connection with Figures 9 or 11. Disposed between the wall, 48 and the wick 50 is a slotted shim 55. This shim is shown in detail in Figure 7 having the slot 55 for the wick 50 and a guide notch 51 adapted to pass over the ridge 65 which serves to orient the elements 55 and 5|. 5| illustrated in detail in Figure 8 is a wick retaining disc which is held in compression by the reservoir 45 when it is in the position shown in Figure 6. p

In Figure 8 the wick retaining disc includes a guide notch 54, a pin-hole opening 53 which permits the normal flow of fluid from the reservoir 45 into the wick 53 and optionally the tube 52 which is of substantially larger diameter than the flow control opening 53 and serves suc-. cessively two functions. When the apparatus is initially used the wick 55 is likely to be dry. By upending the device so as to hold the reservoir substantially vertically the liquid within the primer tube 52 flows rapidly intothe wick and saturates it promptly. Then when the device is held substantially as in Figure 6 the level of liquid in the reservoir is below the open end of the primer tube 52 and the tube then functions as a vent. Otherwise the'operation of the device is similar to that described in Figures 1 to 5, the roller 58 assuming a rearward position with ref,- erence to the slot l9 when the device is moved from right to left and is in contact with the wick 50. On the other hand when the direction of the movement of; the device is reversed the roller as sumes the position 58a in the other end of the guide slot I9. I 7

-Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a further embodiment of the assembly including the hooded support 3| having thread means 32 for engaging a reservoir 30. This reservoir 35 may be streamlined as illustrated in Figure 1 or simply an elongated container such as described in connection with Figure 6. The wick 34 may comprise a rec tangular piece of felt, capillary sponge rubber, 'or the like which passes through slot 33 and is retained by the distribution disc 35 having an opening 36. When the reservoir 35 is attached to the hooded support member 3|, the wick is compressed under the disc 35. A sufficient portion of the wick 34 is exposed to the roller 3'! so that it will uniformly moisten the surface of the roller when it is brought into contact with it,

The mounting for the roller'3l is different than in any of the other embodiments. A shaft 43 is provided for the roller 31 and this shaft is guided by the grooved slot 42. A leaf spring 38 having loop 39 which encircles or engages the shaft 43 and has an anchor means 45 adapted to be removably or fixedly held by anchor 4! disposed at the side wall of 3|. The normal position of the roller 31 is that designated as 31a with the leaf spring 38a holding the shaft 43 at the forward end of the slot 42. In this position the roller 31' is out of contact with the wick means 34.

When the device is moved forward with the roller in contact with a stationary base, the shaft 43 moves rearwardly in the slot 42 and places the spring 38 in tension. In this latter position the roller is resiliently held in contact with the wick and a film of liquid is applied to the roller which in turn transfers the film to the base. When the device is lifted from the work piece, the roller 3? is retracted by the spring'38. The distance that the roller 31 is held from the wick 34 is limited by the slot 42. The slot may extend through the wall. Alternatively stops may be providedto restrict the sweep of the spring support 33 for the roller.

Figure 11 is another modification of a spring means for shifting the axis of rotation of the roller 58. supported in a guide illustrated, as comprising, a race within a boss 55. 'It is contemplated, however, that the spring support SI, 53 may engage shaft 59 and operate as described in connection with Figures 9 and 10. In any event the spring member mounted on anchor 62 resiliently holds' the roller 58 (I5, 31, or 38) within'thehooded support such as 43 in Figure 11 and shifts the axis of rotation with slots or grooves or between stops. 7 I

This application is a continuation impart of my co-pending application Serial No. 697,237, filed September 16, 1946, and entitled Dispensing Roller Device. V

From the above description, it is apparent, that I have attained the objects of my invention and have for example, provided a moistening device wherein a uniform and positively controlled amount of solvent is applied toa clear surface.

in a simple and eflicient manner. Furthermore, an improved portable moistening deviceof extremely simple operation and convenient propor.

tions has been provided. It should be. understood, however, that modifications may be made 1. An apparatus comprising substantially In this modification the roller 58 is cylindrical fluid reservoir adapted to be grasped by the hand for manipulating the apparatus, a discharge port in one end of said reservoir, a dispensing roller, a removable support for said roller threaded to said reservoir about said port and having a fluid passage communicating with said port, guide slots in said support, said slots being spaced a distance from the lower edge of said support means and terminating at a distance which is less than the radius of said roller, a shaft for said roller rotatably mounted in said slots, a Wick means in said fluid passage, a flow control disc interposed between said port and said Wick means, a discharge orifice in said disc, a second enlarged orifice in said disc, and a conduit extending inwardly from said second orifice to a point remote from said discharge port.

' 2. An applicator for depositing volatile solvents on a surface which comprises a sealed solvent reservoir of generally cylindrical shape, a port at one end of said reservoir, a wick means wholly exterior of said reservoir and communicating with said reservoir, a flow restricting orifice between said wick means and said reservoir, a solvent film dispensing roller, shield means carried by said end of said reservoir for enclosing said wick, shaft means for rotatably supporting said roller within said shield means adjacent said wick, and oppositely disposed slot means in said shield for guiding the axis of rotation of said roller on said shaft means with respect to said wick means to a point which is spaced a distance less than the radius of said roller whereby the feeding of solvent from said wick means onto said roller is controlled in manipulating the applicator to and fro.

3. A device adapted to apply controlled amounts of volatile solvents in thin films on extended surfaces including an elongated fluid reservoir adapted to be grasped by the hand for manipulating the device to and fro over such surfaces, a wick means exterior of said reservoir, a port of restricted flow area between said reservoir and said wick means, a longitudinal extension of said reservoir comprising a box-like member and substantially enclosing said wick means, a roller mounted within said extension and adapted to be rolled over extended surfaces, shaft means for said roller, substantially longitudinal slot means within said extension for rotatably supporting said shaft means, said slot means permitting a total longitudinal displacement of less than the length of the radius of the roller and terminating a distance from the Wick means which is less than the radius of the roller, whereby the to and fro manipulation of the device over the extended surface shifts said roller longitudinally within the extension to control the feeding of the volatile solvent from said wick means directly onto said roller.

4. In an apparatus for dispensing a fluid film from a reservoir, the improvement which includes a dispenser for attachment to the throat of a container of such size and shape as to be readily encircled by the hand for manipulating the dispenser, said dispenser comprising a support member having means for fluid-tight engagement with the open throat of said container, a fiuid passage extending from said throat to the interior of said support member, a flow control disc having a discharge port and extending across said fluid passage, a roller carried by trunnions operating within said support member in oppositely disposed longitudinal guide means, said guide means being spaced from the lower edge of said support means a distance less than the radius of saidroller, a wick within said fluid passage having one portion exposed to the fluid discharged through said port from said container and another portion exposed to the said roller within said support member whereby the roller can be operatively manipulated to and fro to bring the roller into and out of contact with the wick.

5. An apparatus comprising in combination a separable fluid reservoir, a discharge port at one end of said reservoir, a rigid extension removably fixed to said reservoir about said port, a fluid passage through said extension communicating with said port, a flow control disc having a discharge orifice interposed between said fluid passage and said port, a laterally movable roller supported on trunnions by said rigid extension, grooves within said rigid extension for slidably retaining said trunnions, a wick means in said fluid passage and having a portion thereof exposed to the said roller when at one end of said grooves, and a spring means having at least one end fixed to said extension and exerting a lateral thrust upon said trunnions.

6. An apparatus comprising in combination an elongated fluid reservoir adapted to be grasped with the hand for manipulating the apparatus, a port in said reservoir, a dispensing roller movably disposed adjacent said port, a capillary means in fluid communication with said port and i r exposed to said roller, a flow control disc between said capillary means and said port, a restricted opening in said flow control disc, a support for said roller threaded to said reservoir about said port, and means within said support for movably and rotatably supporting trunnions on opposite ends of said roller therein whereby the to and fro manipulation of the apparatus with the roller in contact with a relatively fixed surface moves the roller into and out of contact with said capillary means.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein said wick means includes a wedge means for retaining the wick in the desired position.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein said wick means includes a holder having a resilient portion which exerts a thrust to hold the wick adjacent the port.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein the said shield means is removably attached to the reservoir.

EVERETT A. JOHNSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 595,539 Giles Dec. 14, 1897 1,401,742 Slack Dec. 27, 1921 1,645,930 Ritzerfeld Oct. 18, 1927 1,997,156 Tauschek Apr. 9, 1935 2,103,494 Romano et al Dec. 28, 1937 2,151,682 Burkey Mar. 28, 1939 2,163,958 Neidich June 27, 1939 2,181,363 Bowman Nov. 28, 1939 2,198,519 Tarr Apr. 23, 1940 2,419,338 De Marco Apr. 22, 1947 

